Rosewood History

Accident at the Rosewood Level Crossing 1937 (1925 Chevrolet)
Photo courtesy of Spencer Yarrow

RAILWAY ACCIDENTS

27th November 1879 
The goods train that left Ipswich about 2 p.m. met with an accident that proved to be a heavy loss to the Railway Department. The train stopped at the Ten-mile Siding, between Rosewood and Walloon, in order to shunt two empty wagons into the siding. The method employed at this place was to detach the wagons while the train was in motion, but by some error the points closed and the wagons could not enter the siding. Those wagons then went back, and, striking the portion of the train that was standing on the line, the whole started down the incline towards Doyle’s, apparently without damage. However the train had not gone more than a mile on its journey to Toowoomba when two wagons came off the line doing considerable damage to the permanent way—the wagons themselves suffering severely. One of them had to be tumbled off the line down the embankment, and the other was, with difficulty, shunted into Moore’s siding, near Rosewood Gate. Mr. Mathew and his men were promptly on the spot to render whatever assistance might be required, and by 7 p.m. the line was cleared and traffic resumed; and to the credit of the Acting Traffic Manager, the down express was very little behind time on arriving at Ipswich.

28th May 1904  – Fatal Accident near Thagoona.
A fatal accident occurred on the railway line between Rosewood and Walloon, the victim being a young man named Michael Joseph M’Carthy. Particulars gained during the day showed that the guard of the coal train, which left Ipswich at 4:15 on Saturday (28th) morning for the Commonwealth coal-siding, near Rosewood, and returned from there at 5.25 a.m., had discovered the body of a man on the railway line, on the Rosewood side of the Thagoona railway station. It was surmised that it had been run over by some of the goods trains which pass along the line during the night. Michael M’Carthy  lived with his mother in a house near the Thagoona railway station. He had been in Rosewood on Friday night, and it was surmised that he had been walking home along the railway line when the accident occurred. Michael was engaged on the railway flying gang, and was about 24 years of age. Some years prior his father was killed through a burning accident at Walloon, and his grandfather, who resided at Karrabin, was only just buried on 24th. Dr. Von Lossberg, Government medical officer, made a post-mortem examination and found that both of deceased’s legs had been broken, and the head and chest terribly bruised. Michael was interred in the Ipswich Cemetery on Sunday afternoon. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. W. Cashman, of St. Mary’s Church, and the attendance included an exceptionally large number of horsemen from the district, in which the deceased was well and favourably known.

19th March 1908 – Driver Collapsed
The Sydney mail train had just drawn clear of Rosewood Railway Station and was proceeding slowly when the driver (James Davidson) said to the fireman, “Come on Jim” and suddenly collapsed and fell from the engine. The fireman immediately stopped the train. Davidson, who was found to be in an unconscious condition, was taken to the mail compartment. The fireman drove the train to Ipswich, where he driver of the local train, timed to leave for Brisbane five minutes after the mail train, assumed charge. An officer of the Ipswich branch of the Ambulance Brigade accompanied Davidson to Brisbane. Dr John Thomson and the Ambulance Brigade met the train on its arrival at the Roma-street Station. By that time howeve,r the driver had recovered sufficiently, to be taken to his residence at Red Hill by some friends.

11th March 1911 – A TRUCK DERAILED NEAR ROSEWOOD.
Owing to the derailment of one of its trucks at Collett’s Crossing, an accident occurred on Saturday morning to the 2R up goods train, which leaves Ipswich at 5.15 a.m. The waggon was thrown across the main line at the points, and the guard (Mr. J. J. Keogh), while applying the brake, received some injuries to one of his hands. The break-down train was immediately telephoned for from Ipswich, and it was promptly despatched to the scene of the accident, where the debris was removed in time to allow of the up Toowoomba and Sydney mail trains going through. It may be also stated that the break-down train was, yesterday morning, sent to the scene of the recent derailment at Mount Hallon, on the Esk line, to attend to the re-loading of the timber, &c.

4th October 1911 – During shunting operations at Rosewood, Porter Howman met with an accident which necessitated the loss of the foot. It was not clear how the accident happened. The station master said he was holding the points, and Howman must have been standing on the rod of a waggon and slipped and the wheel passed over his foot.

30th January 1913 – Frederick Freise and Patrick M’Carthy of Rosewood were killed in a train accident at Murphy’s Creek.

Train Derailed          RAILWAY SMASH      Railway Disaster        Railway Disaster
ANOTHER TRAIN ACCIDENT (photos)    Railway Accident Near Toowoomba– Six Persons Killed  (photos)

12th July 1913 – Rosewood. A railway accident occurred at 6.30 p.m. when the Mulgowie train was partly derailed on the points at the western end of the railway yard. Fortunately the train, under Driver Byrne and Guard Hardgrave, was proceeding cautiously into the middle road, the points having been previously set by the assistant stationmaster, Mr. W. Nock. From appearances the first waggon to split the points was a big loaded C.M. from Paree to Roma street. This was the third waggon from the engine, and the two intervening waggons were also slightly derailed. The accident was sufficient to block the main line for a time. However, Mr. J. R. Allen (chief stationmaster) and his assistant cleared the cattle siding promptly. The Sydney mail, as well as other passenger trains, were able to cross without any serious delay. For some reason the Marburg train was delayed at Walloon for some considerable time, and this caused a good deal of inconvenience. The breakdown gang from Ipswich was soon on the spot, and the waggons were placed on the rails. The work of righting the line, which had been pulled out of position, was attended to by Ganger Reddan, and the necessary repairs were effected during the day.

24th August 1913 – The passenger train from Toowoomba arriving here about 8.30 p.m. met with a mishap at the same spot as that at which the Mulgowie train was derailed a few weeks ago. The tender and one carriage were derailed. The pilot engine from Grandchester was sent for, and had the train ready to leave for Ipswich on the arrival of the breakdown gang. The train left here three hours late. The mixed train from Brisbane to Toowoomba was similarly delayed owing to the line being blocked. On close inspection after the accident the inter-locking gear was found to be in order. The line was put in order early to-day by Ganger Reddan and his party.

23rd September 1915 – Alexander James Lawlor’s dead body was found on the rail way line on the 23rd of September between Rosewood and Thagoona.  Magisterial Inquiry

1st January 1921 – While engaged in shunting operations on Saturday morning, James Noonan, a porter at the Rosewood railway station, had his hand caught in the coupling, the two middle fingers being severely crushed. He was attended by Dr. Wallace.

18th March 1921 – Ethel Wagner, aged 12, from Mill Street, Rosewood, was run over by the Marburg train at the railway level crossing, Rosewood, on the night of March 18th and subsequently died. She was the younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Martin Wagner and a pupil of Rosewood State School. Ethel left home about 7p.m. with the intention of attending the mission in St Brigid’s Church. When she reached the level crossing close by to the sawmill, she was knocked down by the Marburg train.     Magisterial Inquiry

10th May 1923 – A fire broke out at Calvert in a railway wagon loaded with lucerne chaff, and resulted in the total destruction of 160 bags of chaff, and in the wagon being badly damaged. Thomas Edward Tilley was the driver. Thomas Arthur Byrnes, the railway guard, had charge of the train. It was loaded with goods and left Ipswich on that morning for Grandchester. The train arrived at Calvert about 1.5 p.m. Just prior to leaving, Edward Loftus Barrett, the fireman, alerted Tom Byrnes to smoke coming from the bottom of a carriage. They had a look at the wagon and as soon as they removed the sheeting the flames burst out from the bags of chaff. The fire seemed to originate at the bottom of the wagon and was not caused by a “hot box.” With some difficulty, they removed the wagon from the main line, and from danger of the fire spreading to a wood mill nearby. They and left the wagon in the charge of Ganger Peck and his men, who had come to the spot. They then took the train to Grandchester.

24th July 1925 – A peculiar accident occurred at the Rosewood railway station. The council’s new roller, driven by Mr. A. Freeman, was being drawn on to the weighbridge to be weighed when it crashed through the bridge completely destroying it. Fortunately, the horses had just passed over the bridge.

25th July 1925 – A fatality was narrowly averted at the level crossing near the Rosewood railway station when one of the numerous motor trucks, which are constantly running between the wood mills and the railway station, was struck by a “down” goods train. A lady passenger and the driver of the truck had a narrow escape from serious injury. The truck, which was owned by Mr. E. Hughes, was being driven by one of his employees, who had brought in a load of wood to be consigned to the city, and was returning from the goods shed to Mr. Hughes’ wood mill. It was preceded by another motor truck, which had just negotiated the crossing. The driver of the second truck evidently failed to note the “stop” signal or the close proximity of a downward train, and had not crossed the rails when the truck was struck by a passing goods train. The engine caught the rear end of the truck and swung it on to its side. The lady was thrown across the “up” cattle grids, and the driver was also ousted from his seat. The train was immediately brought to a standstill. Beyond suffering from severe shock and bruises, the occupants of the truck received no further injuries. Some damage was done to the truck. The serious consequences which might have attended the accident drew the public’s attention to the necessity of exercising particular caution at this busy crossing.

24th May 1926 – When engaged in shunting at the local railway station, Mr. V. D. O’Sullivan had his foot badly crushed between a truck and the ramp of the platform. He was attended by Dr. Wallace and the Ambulance conveyed him to the Ipswich Hospital for treatment. He had only commenced duty as a porter at Rosewood station the week before.

7th July 1926 – 6 p.m. Passengers on the Warwick Mail train known as “the sweeper” were alarmed when the train crashed through the railway gates on the Toowoomba side of Calvert at 6.10p.m.. The passengers were greatly alarmed and many women screamed with fright. Almost every carriage was scored for its entire length by the steel parts of the large double gates, in some places two inches deep. The guard had a fortunate escape, as flying wreckage struck the door just by him when he was looking out. The steel catch of the gate caught in the engine’s steam pipe and it took half an hour to effect temporary repairs. The loco managed to limp through Lanefield to Rosewood, where a message was sent to Ipswich, for another engine. One eventually came from Brisbane.

14th April 1929 – A sad fatality occurred at Rosewood when Michael Roy (“Tup”) Farrell (26), youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Farrell, was accidentally run over and killed by a train at the Rosewood Railway Station. On Saturday he represented the local collieries at a meeting held in Ipswich and in the evening journeyed to Grandchester, where he attended a concert and dance. He returned to Rosewood in company with other passengers by the goods train, reaching here at about 1.30 a.m. Mr. A. Roberts, of the Railway Department, who was on duty at that hour, was about to leave the station shortly after 4 o’clock when, by the light of his lantern, he observed the mutilated body of a man on the line about half-way between the office and the over-bridge. It is not known how the fatality occurred, but it was surmised that Farrell, on leaving the station some time after the departure of the train, was struck by a goods train which followed. Dr. Wallace, Sergt Tighe, and. Rev. Father O’Rourke attended the scene immediately and rendered what assistance was possible.

9th February 1935 – Hit by Engine
Jack M’Namara, of Thagoona, probably owed his life to being caught by the cow-catcher after being tossed into the air by the engine of a goods train near Rosewood. He was walking home from Rosewood about 11.30 o’clock. The shortest way home was along the railway line, and M’Namara selected the direct route. Opposite the Rosewood golf links he was struck behind by the engine of a goods train. He was hurled into the air, but in landing was thrown on to the engine cow-catcher, and managed to maintain a shaky hold until the train was brought to a standstill. M’Namara suffered severe head injuries, and lacerations and bruises to the back, while he also sustained shock. He was placed on board the train, which shunted back to Rosewood station. Immediately Dr. Wallace was summoned, and after conducting an examination he ordered M’Namara’s removal to the Ipswich General Hospital. Again placed on the train, he was conveyed to Ipswich, where he was met at the station by Ipswich Ambulance bearers and taken to the hospital. M”Namara’s condition that night was reported to be comfortable. The injured man was a miner employed by the Caledonian Colliery at Thagoona.

10th May 1937 – Rosewood Level Crossing Smash. Train and Car Collide
Four passengers in a motor car had a miraculous escape from serious injury at Rosewood when their vehicle crashed into a goods train which was shunting at the level crossing in the main street about 5.30 o’clock. The car was carried along by the train for about 10 or 15 yards, and came to rest on a cattle grid, a heap of wreckage. Mr. Herman Wendt, with his wife and his daughter Miss Vera Wendt and Mr. Norman Wells, all of Rosewood, was driving along the road which runs parallel with the railway line. He was crossing the rails and going out of Rosewood in the direction of Sloane’s Hotel and had to make a right-angled turn. Owing to the fact that the blinds of the car were down, he did not see the warning light at the crossing or the shunting train or hear the shout of the guard. The car collided with a truck and was carried across the road and thrown clear of the rails. The sound of the crash soon drew a crowd to the scene, and there were many present to help extricate the occupants of the car. Though they received a shock, the only injury was sustained by Mrs. Wendt, who suffered abrasions to an ankle. After medical examination the occupants of the wrecked car were taken to Lanefield by Mr. Norman Ruhno.

31st July 1941 – Car and Mail Train Collide at Rosewood.
Two men, George Sellars, about 62 years, a farmer, and his son, Alfred, 23 years, had a remarkable escape from serious injury when their car collided with the Sydney mail train at the Rosewood level crossing about 5.20 p.m.. They were returning to their home at Rosevale. They were admitted to the Ipswich General Hospital suffering from shock and bruises.

Several people witnessed the accident and the noise was heard for a considerable distance. Sergeant F. N. Aspinall was standing on the verandah of the Court House and saw the car turn from Railway-street and go towards the crossing. He then saw Mr. C. Greet, who was standing near the crossing, raise his hand to warn the motorists to stop, but apparently they did not see the signal. The car had almost cleared the line when the engine of the express train struck the back of it.

Both men were flung from the vehicle, which was hurled about 30yds along the line. The driver of the train immediately stopped the train and Sergeant Aspinall and members of the railway staff rushed to the scene. The injured men were carried to the School of Arts nearby, where the local Ambulance attendant, Mr. H. J. Connolly rendered first-aid. Mr. Sellars sen. regained consciousness before the Ipswich ambulance arrived. He was treated for a severe injury to the right shoulder. He also had several teeth knocked out and was severely shocked. His son had injuries to the chest, a bruised left forearm and suffered from shock.

The car, which was a steel bodied sedan, and was driven by Alfred Sellars, was extensively damaged on the driver’s side. The bumper bars, both doors, running board, and mud guards were twisted, and the steering wheel, up against which the driver was thrown, was also smashed.

Sergeant Aspinall and a number of helpers afterwards cleared the wreckage from the line. The train was held up for about 7 minutes.

31st January 1943 – Thomas Matthew Baker (47) died from injuries received at the Calvert railway station the after being knocked by a train.

28th March 1946 – Michael Rody Ahearn, of Mt. Walker, died after having been injured as a result of a collision at the Rosewood level crossing between the car in which he and his daughter Joan were riding and the Brisbane bound mail train. It accursed at 6.11 p.m. Michael died in Ipswich hospital that night and Joan survived her serious injuries.

There were no gates, but a warning signal was operated by the station master. Thomas James Ruffles, of Newmarket, an engine-driver, sounded the whistle as he approached the crossing. “Just as I was about to go across a car shot in front,” he said. “I suppose it was a couple of feet in front of my engine when I caught sight of it. I applied the brakes, but heard a grating sound. When I pulled up, I came back. I found a man and woman lying near the crossing. I saw a crumpled-up car near the crossing.”  Read about it here.

 

Derailment at Marburg, Ipswich, 1948
Photo: Picture Ipswich

1st March 1948 –  Marburg Smash. Guard Leaps for Life from Runaway Train. [Queensland Times, Tuesday 2 March 1948, page 1]
A guard miraculously escaped serious injury in a leap for life from a speeding, run-away, engineless train at Marburg at 7.20 o’clock last night. He had travelled five miles in a nightmare ride from Tallegalla, down a steep grade, and across three level crossings. He was the only person aboard.

16th June 1953 – Two men were admitted to the Ipswich General Hospital following a level crossing smash near Marburg at 7.20 a.m. The accident occurred at the Malabar crossing, about two miles beyond Marburg, on the Marburg-Rosewood line. The incident involved an empty goods train and an empty timber truck, to which a trailer was attached. Both vehicles were travelling towards Marburg when the collision took place.

The driver of the truck, Robert Cochran (24), of Marburg, was admitted to hospital with suspected head injuries, a possible fracture of the fight elbow, abrasions to the leg and shock. His passenger, August Kleve (62), of Rosewood, sustained head injuries, a probable fracture of the skull, fractured ribs, lacerated left ear and shock.

The truck which was owned by Roughrigg Colliery, was extensively damaged and was forced 53ft. from the point of impact. Rosewood ambulance conveyed the injured men to the Ipswich hospital. Their condition was later reported as satisfactory.

27th April 1959 – Derailment at Marburg, Ipswich  Picture Ipswich

 

© Jane Schy, 2024